
Even though sentient beings are innumerable, we vow to save them all.
Even though our evil desires are limitless, we vow to be free from them.
Even though the teachings are limitless, we vow to learn them all.
Even though Buddhahood is unattainable, we vow to attain it.
I use this Buddhist (Bodhisattva) vow* in my morning prostrations. They are a succinct reminder of the end game on the path. I’ve recently found another version in Ken McLeod’s book. It’s interesting how slight changes in translation give a new perspective.
Sentient beings are numberless; I vow to free them all.
Reactive emotions are endless; I vow to uproot them all.
The doors to experience are limitless; I vow to enter them all.
The way is infinite; I vow to attain it completely.
* from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, a book of teachings by Shunryu Suzuki.